A deadly episode involving a suspected drunk driver has left one individual dead and another facing serious charges. According to a social media post from the Salem Police Department, Karlie Dolan, 33, of Salem, was arrested after being involved in a fatal crash this past weekend.
The accident took place on the 1800 block of Lancaster Drive NE, at around 1:43 a.m. on December 27, 2025, where Dolan's vehicle crashed into a tow truck. The tow truck was occupied, loading an unrelated vehicle on the right-hand shoulder when the collision occurred. While Dolan survived the crash and was sent to the hospital, her passenger, identified as Trisha Hopkins, 51, also from Salem, tragically lost her life at the scene.
Responding officers concluded that Dolan operated her vehicle under the influence. "Preliminary tests indicated her blood alcohol content (BAC) was more than three times the legal limit of 0.08%," as per the Salem Police Department. Facing multiple charges, including Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII), Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Dolan was subsequently incarcerated at the Marion County Jail.
Further investigation into the incident is underway by the Salem Police Traffic Team. Following the crash, a section of northbound Lancaster Drive NE was closed for several hours for investigation purposes. This fatal crash adds to a growing tally, marking the 11th of its kind in Salem for the year 2025, bringing the number of fatalities to an equally stark 11. The family of the deceased, Trisha Hopkins, was notified by authorities following the event.
